Chevrolet Camaro

On the outside, the 1971 Chevrolet Camarowas very similar to previous models.

The 1971 Chevrolet Camaro needed only a quick peek inside to distinguish it from the previous year's model. This 1971 coupes carried high-back
bucket seats with built-in headrests, borrowed from the new subcompact Vega.

Outside appearance changed little, but reduced engine compression ratios
allowed the use of lower-octane low-lead (or no-lead) gasoline, which, in turn,
caused a reduction in power ratings for high-performance engines.

GM also began
to include "net" horsepower figures with some engines that were
considerably lower than the old "gross" figures, though more
realistic. Modifications this year and next were made to comply with emissions
and crash protection laws, but not much else.

Cloth-and-vinyl replaced all-vinyl as the
standard upholstery. Rally Sport and Super Sport appearance and performance
option groups continued to attract customers. The Z28 got a front air dam and a
redesigned spoiler along with a 330-horsepower 350-cubic-inch V-8.

Standard engines
were the 250-cubic-inch six and 307-cubic-inch V-8. Taking advantage of the options list
could bring one of two 350-cubic-inch V-8s rated at 245 and 270 horsepower, or a
"396" with a 300-horsepower rating (240-horsepower net).

Only 11,178 six-cylinder Camaros went on sale
versus 103,452 with V-8 power, including 4,862 Z28s. Because ponycar popularity
was starting to slip, GM executives began to wonder if the Camaro should hang
around. Advocates would have to lobby hard to keep it alive.

The usual assortment of appearance packageson the Camaro were still available.

1971 Chevrolet Camaro Facts

Model

Weight range (lbs.)

Price range (new)

Number built

Camaro

3,094-3,218

$2,921-$3,016

114,630

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